"As we all know, wages growth has been modest since the global financial
crisis while prices, especially of essential services such as electricity
and gas, have risen significantly.

"The financial pressure on many households is significant," he says.

Much of the regulator's 2018 priorities builds upon work it started last
year.

Rising electricity and gas bills

The ACCC was tasked with operating inquiries into complex electricity and
gas markets in 2017. The inquiries were ordered by government after power prices
shot up – by as much as 20% in some states.

"Armed with the clear findings on the causes of the problem, the ACCC will
now focus on making recommendations that will improve electricity
affordability across the National Electricity Market," says Sims.

The recommendations will be presented in a report by June 2018.

The new car market

The car industry's erosive approach to consumer rights is high on the
watchdog's list, after an 18-month review found manufacturers actively
prevent new car owners from receiving a replacement vehicle or a refund.

"We will give effect to our recommendations from the [New Car Retailing
Industry] report about greater guidance and will continue to take action
against traders where their approach is inconsistent with the law," says
Sims.

"We will also seek to progress all the other recommendations, particularly
in relation to the information given to independent repairers."